The Foster Bingo Challenge is Live!
& Trial Adoption (foster-to-adopt) process)
1. Promote Your Foster: Find your pet’s profile at lifelineanimal.org/adopt by searching their shelter name. Share this link on social media and with friends to generate interest!
2. Watch for Inquiries: Interest will arrive via email from noreply@lifelineanimal.org with the subject: “[Pet Name] has received an adoption inquiry!” Check your spam folder if you are a new foster.
3. Contact Inquirers: Reach out to the inquirer via call, text, or email within 72 hours to schedule a meet and greet. Use the Conversation Guide to help.
Once you've reached out, mark the application as "In Review" in the email system.
If they don't respond after one week or are no longer interested, select "Not a Match."
4. Confirm the Match: After a successful meet and greet, select "It's a Match!" in the email. Your foster pet will be available for adoption until their adoption / trial is processed.
5. Finalize the Adoption: When the adopter is ready to take the pet home, direct them to join the "Adoption Processing (ONLY OFFSITE OR EVENT)" waitlist on the sign-in pages below during the shelters' open hours.
They will still join this waitlist if they are interested in Foster-to-Adopt AKA Trial Adoption
Note: If you are adopting your foster pet, join this queue yourself or email the foster team directly.
6. Counseling & Completion: The adoption team will contact the adopter for counseling and to finalize the paperwork. Keep your phone and email nearby for any quick follow-up questions from the team!
⚠️Important Reminders⚠️
Do not leave your foster pet with the adopter without explicit confirmation from the adoption or foster team.
Adoption paperwork should only be started when the adopter is ready to physically take the pet home.
If you made it this far...
CONGRATULATIONS!
What to Check Out Next:
📖 Adoption Library: Toolkits, guides, and adoption policies for foster pets
❔Frequently Asked Questions: Most commonly asked questions
💬Get Help / Contact the Foster Team: Questions about timing, approval, or special situations
🐶Foster Onboarding: Back to basics!